The Question: Is a pre-owned vehicle, purchased from a reputable car dealership known for the highest maintenance standards, just as good as buying a brand, new vehicle?

My 2 Cents: When I was in high school, my parents purchased what they thought was a reliable car for me to drive. What they later found out, after it had to be put in the shop several times, was that the car had been in a flood. They weren’t told this information when they decided to buy the car. After going to court, and winning their lawsuit, my parents bought me another used car, but it came from a family friend who bought it new for himself and kept it in pristine condition.

From the flood-car experience, and a few previous experiences with used cars, my mother told me, and I’m paraphrasing, “Never buy someone else’s headache. Not all people get rid of their cars because they’re having problems with them, but you can never know which vehicle was dumped because of trouble or just traded in for something new.”

Because of that advice, I have decided to only purchase new vehicles.

Along with my mother’s advice, my daddy taught us how to bargain for the best deal on a car, put no money down and still walk away with a phenomenal interest rate and low payment. His method works out to almost driving a car interest free. I used it both times I purchased my cars.

Thanks, Momma and Daddy!

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Take a few moments to check out the tweets from Twitter on this subject:

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EpicView_SP A good used car is close but.. no cigar. There’s nothing like a brand new car if you can afford one.

PROTECTED TWEETER no its different..most new cars have a 60k-100k mi warranty etc. Difference in yr

rishaholmes I think so, and you can save a TON!!! I should know I used to run a dealership with my ex. The mark up is

walkerdl Pretty much. I’ve done both, and I was pleased w/both cars

PROTECTED TWEETER I would go the pre-owned w/ good maintenance records route again. But take it to a trusted mechanic before purchase.

LadyJay91 I would agree that a prew-owned car from a rep/dealer with fab maint. is a very good purchase & can compete with a new car.

tclarkusa Yes. There are several quality used cars out there. Some ppl actually take really good care of their vehicles.

brijh I Strongly agree @BLKMGKHowever, any car driven off the lot for a Test Drive is considered Used! Ummm, Ri

coffeesassy no

PROTECTED TWEETER I say no. The maint. standards/reputation have nothing to do w/it. Any used car comes w/factors different than a brand new one.

Andrea1908 Only if it’s a certified preowned car.

ObiOrion Sometimes it’s better because once used you no longer have to pay such taxes as luxury or gas guzzler taxes.

writethevision I don’t think so…it may be almost as good…but, there’s wear and tear and miles on the used car no matter how u slice it.

DiamondEmory ABSOLUTELY! Unless U R a millionaire, & can afford the depreciation u should NEVER buy new.

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The commentary doesn’t have to end!

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